The heartwarming tale of Mumbai’s world-famous ‘dabbawalas’ has taken a new turn, becoming a part of the Class 9 English textbook in Kerala. This year, students in Kerala will learn about the extraordinary work of these lunchbox delivery men, thanks to the Kerala State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT). The SCERT has included an article by travel writer couple Hugh and Colleen Gantzer, based in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, in its school curriculum.
The chapter on ‘dabbawalas’ (pages 71-75) traces the origin of the first ‘dabba’ (tiffin box) that was transported from Dadar, then considered a suburb, to south Mumbai’s Fort area, a distance of roughly 12 kilometers. According to Raghunath Medge, former President of the Nutan Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers Charitable Trust (NMTBSCT), the first delivery took place in 1890, a remarkable 134 years ago. A Parsi lady hired Mahadeo Havaji Bachche to deliver a hot lunchbox to her husband at his office downtown.
The NMTBSCT is the umbrella organization for the Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers Association (MTBSA). From those humble beginnings, the ‘dabbawalas’ flourished, reaching a peak of 5,000 members before the COVID-19 pandemic. These dedicated individuals ferried around 200,000 ‘dabbas’ daily, earning global admiration for their efficient, punctual service, which has been compared to a Six Sigma rating. Their reach extended far beyond Mumbai’s bustling streets; they became a subject of interest in international business schools, universities, documentaries, books, and films. Their unique system even attracted the attention of royalty, including King Charles III, queens, presidents, prime ministers, and celebrities.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the ‘dabbawalas’ trade, reducing their numbers to around 2,000 and daily deliveries to approximately 100,000. Medge explained that only those in dire need continue to carry out this demanding work. The pandemic also brought about changes in the market, shifting the delivery routes from a linear pattern from north Mumbai to south Mumbai to a more complex network that includes new Central Business Districts (CBDs) in Mumbai’s central region. Deliveries now extend to areas like Worli, Dadar, Bandra Kurla Complex, MIDC, Marol, Ghatkopar, Goregaon, Malad, and even to schools and colleges.
The ‘dabbawalas’ have not only inspired Kerala’s school children but have also become the subject of doctoral studies in India and international research. Their story has been immortalized in dedicated films, television series, and even a comic book series. Their unwavering dedication and unique contribution to Mumbai’s culture have secured their place as a symbol of efficiency, punctuality, and resilience.
